By Cam Lucadou-Wells
As the automotive industry grinds to a halt, Hallam manufacturer Ace Wire Works has been forced to mould new markets.
When it comes to new business possibilities, its motto seems to be ‘how long is a piece of wire’.
Once firmly enmeshed as an automotive supply chain company, Ace Wire Works supplied thousands of wire parts for car seats and headrests for Ford, Holden and Toyota.
It now depends on them for just 15-20 per cent of its business.
Managing director Sam Harris said the 62-year-old company was well-placed for the auto industry’s ‘ground zero’ having just prospered in one of its most successful years in 2015-16.
“The downturn in automotive in years past would have been significant but we’ve diversified over the past five to 10 years.”
Its new, growing vistas include designing and making high-end wire furniture, tree guards, commercial oven racks, farm gates and retail display stands.
Mr Harris said its high-tech plant with a 40-strong workforce was still capable of supplying overseas car-makers at a competitive price, but for the high cost of shipping from Australia.
Instead the firm would focus on new markets and invest in new technology and machinery at its Abbott Road factory.
The company has benefited from a $16,000 grant from the State Government to help further develop its transition plan with advice from Pitcher Partners consultant Robert Tigani.
It would help Ace Wire Works not only retain staff but grow the business, Mr Harris said.
Grants of up to $55,000 are available for companies affected by the auto-industry shutdown under the state’s $5 million Automotive Supply Chain Transition Program.
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan, who visited the plant on 19 August, said the funding would help Ace Wire Works identify and target new markets.
“We are helping them… put themselves on a strong footing in the future.”
For details on the Automotive Transition Plan visit business.vic.gov.au/asctp or call 132 215.
